Famous people and celebrities who died in 2015

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2015. This year saw the loss of many influential and beloved figures who left a lasting impact on the world. From entertainment icons and sports legends to renowned scholars and public figures, our comprehensive list pays tribute to their lives and legacies. Join us in honoring their contributions and celebrating their achievements as we reflect on their remarkable stories.

Jan. 1 Donna Douglas
Donna Douglas was an American actress and singer best known for playing Elly May Clampett on the television series 'The Beverly Hillbillies.' [bio]
Jan. 7 Rod Taylor
Rod Taylor was an Australian actor best known for his roles in classic films such as 'The Time Machine' and Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds.' A prominent leading man in the 1960s, Taylor's dynamic career spanned film, television, and voice acting. [bio]
Jan. 11 Anita Ekberg
Anita Ekberg was a Swedish actress and model, best known for her role as Sylvia in Federico Fellini's classic film 'La Dolce Vita' (1960). Her striking beauty and memorable presence in the iconic Trevi Fountain scene made her an international star and a symbol of cinematic glamour. [bio]
Jan. 17 Faten Hamama
Faten Hamama was a legendary Egyptian film and television actress, revered as one of the most influential figures in Arab cinema. Her prolific career spanned over six decades, and she was often referred to as 'The Lady of the Arabic Screen.' [bio]
Jan. 29 Colleen McCullough
Colleen McCullough was an acclaimed Australian author best known for her bestselling novel 'The Thorn Birds.' Her prolific career also included historical fiction, medical, and mystery novels, earning her a global readership and significant influence in literary circles. [bio]
Jan. 30 Geraldine McEwan
Geraldine McEwan was an acclaimed English actress known for her distinguished career in theatre, television, and film. She was particularly recognized for her portrayal of Miss Marple in the ITV series "Agatha Christie's Marple." [bio]
Jan. 31 Lizabeth Scott
Lizabeth Scott was an American actress and singer, renowned for her roles in film noir during the 1940s and 1950s. She often portrayed strong, mysterious women in films and became one of the most recognizable figures in the genre. [bio]
Feb. 12 Gary Owens
Gary Owens was an American disc jockey, voice actor, radio announcer, and television personality best known for his announcer role on the hit television show 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.' His distinctive booming voice and deadpan comedic delivery made him a recognizable figure in entertainment throughout the 1960s and 1970s. [bio]
Feb. 14 Louis Jourdan
Louis Jourdan was a French film and television actor best known for his suave roles in Hollywood films during the mid-20th century. His most notable performances include starring as Gaston in the musical 'Gigi' (1958) and as the villain Kamal Khan in the James Bond film 'Octopussy' (1983). Jourdan was celebrated for his sophistication and versatility on screen. [bio]
Feb. 16 Lesley Gore
Lesley Gore was an American singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her hit pop singles in the 1960s, particularly "It's My Party." She became an icon of the early 1960s pop scene and later became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. [bio]
Feb. 27 Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Nimoy was an American actor, film director, poet, singer, and photographer best known for his iconic role as Spock in the Star Trek franchise. His distinctive performance and cultural influence made him a beloved figure in science fiction and popular culture. [bio]
April 6 Ray Charles
Ray Charles was a legendary American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer. He is widely regarded as a pioneer in the soul genre, blending elements of gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B. Charles's innovative style and emotional vocal performances had a major influence on the development of popular music. [bio]
April 6 James Best
James Best was an American actor best known for his portrayal of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on the television series 'The Dukes of Hazzard.' Over his career spanning more than six decades, Best appeared in numerous films and TV shows, establishing himself as a versatile character actor. [bio]
May 23 Anne Meara
Anne Meara was an American actress, comedian, and writer, best known as one half of the comedy duo Stiller and Meara with her husband, Jerry Stiller. She had a prolific career in television, film, and theater, and was recognized for her sharp wit and comedic timing. [bio]
June 7 Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee was a legendary British actor widely renowned for his commanding presence and deep voice, particularly in horror cinema. He gained international fame for portraying Count Dracula in a series of Hammer Horror films and became a versatile actor known for significant roles in mainstream franchises such as Saruman in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and Count Dooku … [bio]
July 10 Omar Sharif
Omar Sharif was an acclaimed Egyptian actor who gained international fame for his roles in the classic films 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962) and 'Doctor Zhivago' (1965). He was known for his charisma, talent, and contributions to both Egyptian and Western cinema. [bio]
July 10 Roger Rees
Roger Rees was a Welsh actor and director best known for his work on stage and television, including his Tony Award-winning performance in 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' and his role as Robin Colcord on the TV series 'Cheers.' [bio]
July 18 Alex Rocco
Alex Rocco was an American actor best known for his role as Moe Greene in the classic film 'The Godfather.' Recognized for his distinctive raspy voice and his frequent portrayals of gangsters and tough guys, Rocco’s acting career spanned film, television, and voice work. [bio]
July 31 Roddy Piper
Roddy Piper, born Roderick George Toombs, was a Canadian professional wrestler and actor best known for his work with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) under the ring name 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. He was one of the most charismatic and controversial villains in professional wrestling during the 1980s and became a pop culture icon. [bio]
Aug. 1 Cilla Black
Cilla Black was an English singer, television presenter, and actress, celebrated for her successful career in the music industry during the 1960s and later as a prominent TV host in the UK. [bio]
Aug. 9 Frank Gifford
Frank Gifford was an American football player, broadcaster, and actor best known for his long association with the National Football League (NFL) as both a player for the New York Giants and a longtime commentator on 'Monday Night Football.' [bio]
Aug. 15 Julian Bond
Julian Bond was an American social activist, leader in the Civil Rights Movement, politician, professor, and writer. He was a co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and a prominent advocate for civil rights and social justice throughout his life. [bio]
Aug. 30 Wes Craven
Wes Craven was an influential American film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor, best known for his pioneering work in the horror genre, including the 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'Scream' franchises. [bio]
Sept. 6 Martin Milner
Martin Milner was an American film, stage, radio, and television actor, best known for his roles in the television series "Route 66" and "Adam-12." His career spanned more than five decades, earning him recognition as a prominent figure in American television through the 1960s and 1970s. [bio]
Sept. 7 Dickie Moore
Dickie Moore was an American actor best known as a prominent child star in the 1930s and 1940s, particularly for his roles in the 'Our Gang' film series and various notable Hollywood features. [bio]
Oct. 24 Maureen O'Hara
Maureen O'Hara was an Irish-American actress and singer, renowned for her work in Hollywood throughout the 1940s and 1950s, particularly in Technicolor films. She was known for her spirited performances, striking red hair, and roles in adventure films and dramas. [bio]
Nov. 1 Fred Thompson
Fred Thompson was an American politician, attorney, lobbyist, and actor. He served as a United States Senator from Tennessee and also gained recognition for his acting career, particularly his role on the television series 'Law & Order.' [bio]
Nov. 16 David Canary
David Canary was an American actor best known for his roles in television soap operas, particularly for playing twins Adam and Stuart Chandler on 'All My Children.' Renowned for his versatility and compelling performances, Canary enjoyed a long career spanning stage, television, and film. [bio]
Dec. 4 Robert Loggia
Robert Loggia was an American actor and director renowned for his gravelly voice and commanding screen presence. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he appeared in numerous prominent films and television series, earning acclaim for both character and leading roles. [bio]
Dec. 31 Wayne Rogers
Wayne Rogers was an American actor, best known for his role as Captain 'Trapper' John McIntyre on the classic television series M*A*S*H. He was also a successful investor and television personality. [bio]